Actually, this is a fictionalized rendition of the life of the author's grandfather. His biography was very picturesque, and Kanzler does a good job of describing the immensity of Siberia and the inhuman conditions of the Russian army and the gulags.
At the end of the book, the author reveals the practical upshot of all the adventures: this is how her family came to America. The biographical note at the end bridges the gap between the author's time and that of her subject.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Despite my antipathy toward its setting, it drew me in, and I enjoyed reading it. I recommend it.
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